Kingdom Hearts: Consumed by Darkness

Chapter 401 400

Hecate descended the steps from her throne, each one deliberate, her heeled boots clicking against the black stone. Up close, she smelled faintly of jasmine and smoke. She circled him once, slow and deliberate, like she was weighing the exact balance of risk and reward."You've certainly grown more daring since last we spoke," she murmured, stopping in front of him. "Perhaps I'll indulge you… for now."

Helios inclined his head, hiding the flicker of satisfaction in his eyes. "That's all I needed to hear."

But her smile turned sharp again. "Oh, darling, I didn't say yes. I said 'perhaps.' And you should know by now that with me, perhaps can mean almost anything." She stepped back toward her throne, lifting a hand as if to dismiss him. "Still, I'm curious. Elaborate—why exactly should I let you have him?"

Helios took a step forward, lowering his voice just enough to make it sound like the beginnings of a conspiracy. "Because if I succeed, you to keep your kingdom, worry-free for the next nine years. If I fail, well… then the only thing you've wasted is nothing but a moment of conversation. Since you'll just capture the weakened Hades."

Hecate's gaze lingered on him for another beat, then she sat, crossing one leg over the other. Her smile was back to its languid, dangerous curve. "Mm… you make a compelling case, Helios. Let's see if you can make it worth my while."

After Hecate agreed, Helios was sent magically to another area that was guarded by wraiths.

Two wraiths peeled off a patrol and glided to bar his way.

"Halt," one hissed. Its voice sounded like chains dragged over frost. "Audience requires petition—"

"I've got an audience by your Queen's orders," Helios said causing their heads to tilt, then drifted off, more interested in set routes than stray mortals.

Helios kept walking.

Eventually, he came across a new area, most likely built to just house Hades. Helios curled a fist and knocked once.

"No solicitors!" came a ragged snarl from within. "And if it's you again, I swear—"

Helios laid his palm to the seal. Runes flared—recognized the presence of Hecate's magic. The door swung open.

Hades knelt in the center of a star of indigo chains, arms spread and manacles sunk to his wrists like rings grown from ice. The blue flame of his hair guttered low, a stubborn candle in a cathedral that hated fire. He looked thinner. Angrier too, but that was constant.hen Hades leaned back as far as the chains allowed, a half-smile playing at his mouth.

"You know, for someone who wants my help, you're doing a hell of a job making me want to strangle you first."

Helios' grin widened, just enough to make it clear he wasn't remotely intimidated. "Good. We've never had a good relationship anyway. Now, let's get started on repaying you for all the torture."